Akhenaton

Date of Birth: c. 1380 BCE

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: c. 1336 BCE

Biography

Akhenaton, originally named Amenhotep IV, was a pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt who ruled from approximately 1353–1336 BCE. He is most famous for abandoning traditional Egyptian polytheism and introducing worship centered around the Aten, the sun disk. This period of religious reform is often referred to as the Amarna Period. Akhenaton moved the capital of Egypt from Thebes to a new city called Akhetaten (modern-day Amarna) which he dedicated to the Aten. His reign is marked by significant cultural and artistic changes, including more naturalistic and less idealized forms of art. Akhenaton was married to Nefertiti, who played a significant role in his religious revolution. After his death, traditional religious practices were gradually restored, and his successors, including Tutankhamun, attempted to erase his legacy.

5 Interesting Facts about Akhenaton

1. Akhenaton is often credited with establishing one of the earliest known monotheistic religions.

2. He was originally named Amenhotep IV but changed his name to Akhenaton to reflect his devotion to the Aten.

3. Akhenaton’s wife, Nefertiti, is one of the most famous queens of ancient Egypt and played a crucial role in his religious reforms.

4. The city of Akhetaten (modern-day Amarna) was built as the new capital during his reign, dedicated solely to the worship of Aten.

5. After Akhenaton’s death, Egypt quickly returned to its traditional religious practices, and his successors tried to erase his memory from history.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Akhenaton

1. “There is no god but Aten, and Akhenaton is his prophet.”

2. “The Aten is the source of all life.”

3. “I have moved the capital to Akhetaten to be closer to the Aten.”

4. “Nefertiti, my great wife, stands by my side in devotion to the Aten.”

5. “All creation is by the will of the Aten.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a pharaoh, Akhenaton’s wealth was immense, but it is not quantifiable in modern terms. His wealth was tied to the resources and treasures of the Egyptian empire.

Children

Akhenaton had several children with his Great Royal Wife, Nefertiti. Their known children include: 1. Meritaten 2. Meketaten 3. Ankhesenpaaten (later known as Ankhesenamun, the wife of Tutankhamun) 4. Neferneferuaten Tasherit 5. Neferneferure 6. Setepenre